Immortals of Meluha

his gurukul as his successor. This successor was treated for all practical purposes like the
Saptrishi himself.’
‘So rebelling against the Saptrishi Uttradhikaris was like rebelling against the Saptrishis
themselves?’
‘Yes, my Lord,’ answered Kanakhala. ‘And the most worrying part of this corruption was
that it was being led by the higher chosen-tribe Brahmins like the eagles, peacocks and the
swans. In fact, due to their higher status, these chosen-tribes were actually not even allowed to
work under the Kshatriyas and Vaishyas, lest they get enticed by the lure of the material world.
Yet they succumbed to the temptations of evil before anyone else.’
‘And chosen-tribes like yours, the pigeons, remained loyal to the old code despite working
for the Kshatriyas?’ asked Shiva.
‘Yes, my Lord,’ replied Kanakhala, her chest puffed up with pride.
The town bell indicating the beginning of the third prahar sounded out loudly. All the people in
the room, including Shiva, said a quick short prayer welcoming the new time chapter. Shiva had
learnt some of the ways of the Meluhans. A Shudra came in, reset the prahar lamp precisely
and left as quiedy as he came. Shiva reminded himself that anytime now Sati would start her
dance in the garden.
‘So what revolution caused the change your Highness?’ asked Shiva turning to Daksha. ‘You,
Parvateshwar and Nandi are Kshatriyas and yet you clearly have taken the Somras. In fact I
have seen people of all four castes in your empire look youthful and healthy. This means that
the Somras is now given to everybody. This change must have obviously happened due to a
revolution, right?’
‘Yes, my Lord. And the revolution was known as Lord Ram. The greatest emperor that ever
lived! Jai Shri Ram!’
‘Jai Shri Ram!’ repeated everyone in the room.
‘His ideas and leadership transformed the society of Meluha dramatically,’ continued
Daksha. ‘In fact, the course of history itself was radically altered. But before I continue with
Lord Ram’s tale, may I make a suggestion?’
‘Of course, your Highness.’
‘It is into the third prahar now. Should we move to the dining room and partake of some
lunch before continuing with this story?’
‘I think it is an excellent idea to have lunch your Highness,’ said Shiva. ‘But may I be excused
for some time? There is another pressing engagement that I have. Could we perhaps continue
our conversation tomorrow if that is suitable to you?’
Kanakhala’s face fell immediately while Parvateshwar ’s was covered with a contemptuous
grin. Daksha, however, kept a smiling face. ‘Of course we could meet tomorrow my Lord. Will
the beginning of the second hour of the second prahar be all right with you?’
‘Absolutely, your Highness. My apologies for this inconvenience.’
‘Not at all my Lord,’ said an ever smiling Daksha. ‘Can one of my chariots take you to your
destination?’
‘That’s very kind of you, your Highness. But I will go there myself. My apologies once again.’
Bidding a namaste to everyone in the room, Shiva and Nandi walked quickly out. Kanakhala
looked accusingly at Daksha. The emperor just nodded his head, gesturing with his hands for
calm. ‘It’s all right. We are meeting tomorrow, aren’t we?’
‘My Lord, we are running out of time,’ said Kanakhala. The Neelkanth needs to accept his